1st win of the season for Monarchs

A bright and warm day and an early PM push back. What more could you ask for on a Saturday in October!? We took a strong 13 over to Wycombe for what usually ends up being a bit of a fractious game. Both teams had a good mix of experience and youth, and the game was pacey and flowing. Lots of good passing from the Monarchs helped us control things pretty well with some solid play from the backs and through midfield from the get go. It wasn't long before some chances began to present themselves with a number of short corners being awarded, but despite best efforts, not converted. There were opportunities at both ends and the Monarchs played well to avoid going behind. Thankfully the game was played in pretty good spirits by both teams, despite a talking to from the umpire for one of the Monarchs (tut tut Viren), and a ball in the face for one of the Wycombe defenders (good work Clint). Some solid defence from Max, Tyler, Randy, Dave, James and everyone else helped us keep a clean sheet for the first half, ending 0-0.
As we started H2, there was very much a feeling that the next goal would probably win the game. For much of the next half it was end to end play with chances for both sides from shorts and also open play - but more solid defence from the Monarchs, and some good saves from Tyler kept Wycombe out. Mid-way through the half a good series of passes saw Clint moving well down the left hand side of the pitch, a deft pass into Tim just inside the D, was quickly flicked onto Viren leaving the keeper stranded and presenting Viren with a golden opportunity which he duly converted with a quick slap into the goal..! 1-0 to the Monarchs.
Wycombe were rightly fired up and attacked immediately, piling on the pressure. But we held our ground for a good period and looked on track to close out a win with only 10 or so minutes remaining. However, before long, a lucky series of passes saw a scrambled melee in the D result in a goal for the opposition. 1-1 as we headed into the final few minutes. The pressure was telling and we were shortly to lose James for a couple of minutes due to a well deserved ;) yellow card. The balance was restored however after Viren forced one of their defenders to run down a ball on the right flank and he had to go off with a hamstring injury. As their subs had left, they remained a man down for the rest of the game.
We were down to the final few minutes and the game could have gone either way, when again Clint found himself in space on the left of the pitch. He ran it forward and again, chipped an accurate ball into Tim on the right of the D. Tim controlled it well, moved it back and sideways, turned, and smacked a scorcher to the left of a stationary keeper and into the bottom corner of the goal. 2-1...and much cheering. Within moments the full time whistle was blown and a well earned victory secured..!! Well done everyone, and for tireless running, and two assists, congrats to Captain Clint for this week's 'man of the match'..!
Man of the Match - Clint Miles
Report by - Tim Brennan